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Environmental Engineering

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CONTAMINANTS TRANSPORT, RISK ASSESSMENT AND SITE REMEDIATION
Module ELEMENTS OF GEOLOGY APPLIED TO SITE REMEDIATION

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: SIMONE MINEO

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

The course aims to provide students with adequate knowledge and understanding of the main topics in applied geology, with particular reference to environmental media such as soils, the subsurface, and groundwater.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the skills necessary to critically identify the main geological issues related to environmental pollution phenomena. 

Making Judgements

Students will be able to independently interpret basic information derived from investigations and thematic map analysis, as a foundation for designing environmental investigation and monitoring plans, as well as remediation and site safety interventions.

Communication Skills

Students will acquire the ability to present the topics covered using appropriate technical language to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The oral examination will allow students to further develop their technical vocabulary and communication skills.

Learning Skills

Students will be able to independently expand their knowledge of the topics covered and apply it in operational contexts through further study of recommended textbooks and scientific literature, as well as through insights gained from any additional learning activities organized within the course.

Course Structure

The course is delivered in person through theoretical and practical lectures, supported by multimedia materials (slides projected during classes) and, where appropriate, supplementary handouts. Practical exercises are also included on selected topics (e.g., interpretation of a hydrogeological map).

Required Prerequisites

No mandatory prerequisites.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is strongly recommended, including for students who select the course as an elective and for whom timetable clashes are unavoidable.

Detailed Course Content

Soils and Rocks: rock types; physical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks.

Fundamentals of Hydrogeology: aquifers and groundwater; the main hydrogeological parameters of aquifers; wells and piezometers; interpretation of hydrogeological maps.

Elements of site investigation and sampling techniques.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Introduction to the course
2Types of rocks and properties
3Aquifers and groundwater; the main hydrogeological (hydrodynamic) parameters of aquifers.
4Hydrogeological map
5Overview of environmental investigations and sampling.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The assessment of learning is carried out through an oral examination based on questions covering the course syllabus. During the exam, students may also be asked to write down any studied formulas and/or produce sketches of sections or maps.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

What is meant by an aquifer?

What are the main hydrogeological (hydrodynamic) parameters of an aquifer?

What is the “stagnation point”?

What is the difference between soils and rocks?

What is meant by effective porosity?

What is meant by the cone of depression of the piezometric surface?